Nutrition Web Resources for the School Age Child, comment

These websites are very helpful if you get on the right one. Some are over the top regarding childhood obesity and the structure of how we should feed our children. Parents must use their common sense but also we as clinicians should assist our parents in getting accurate information. Our state childcare regulatory website has really awesome links that show how to prepare healthly fun meals for kids of all ages and there are also a few websites which allow the kids to play “food” games to learn about the food pyramid and putting together healthly meals and snacks. Again, I love the computer and internet resources but we just have to be aware of the dangers believing everything you read on them.

Original Post:April 23, 2009Nutritional web sites; what a wonderful resource for parents to have at their fingertips. Sites such as HealthLinks (http://www.healthlink.com), and keepkidshealthly (http:www.keepkidshealthy.com) provide useful information on topics such as healthy snacks, slim down plans, food pyramids and daily intake needs based upon the child’s age. Health Promotion (2006) states: “with more school age children accessing the Internet, child-friendly sites(noted above), may help children focus on ways to improve their nutrition and avoid obesity”. This has merit, however, the sites listed in the text are not kid-friendly web sites, rather they are geared toward adult reading levels and comprehension. I endorse kid friendly sites; sites where children can explore on their own the basics of nutrition, its impact on their health, and healthy food choices, all in a fun and engaging method. However, these sites are limited on the web, with the majority of information geared towards the adult population. This would be a great undertaking for a pediatric dietitian to create, as the need exists.